6 days ago
Pilbara change-makers named finalists in prestigious 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards
Three Pilbara trailblazers have been named finalists in the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for their remarkable dedication to community, leadership and social change.
The Tom Price Emergency Services Cadet Corps is in the running for the connecting communities award for its dedication to developing young leaders.
Spanning Tom Price, Paraburdoo and the Wakathuni Aboriginal Community, the program has engaged more than 2000 young people aged 11-18. Through hands-on emergency services training, leadership development and community service, the cadets have clocked more than 40,000 volunteer hours.
Many cadets now volunteer with the SES, St John WA, fire and rescue service, and bush fire brigades.
Karratha Women's Place women's councillor and program assistant Fern Van Beek has been named a finalist in the young women leader award for her tireless commitment to women's wellbeing.
Ms Van Beek has played a key role in shaping the Karratha Women's Place into a critical support hub for women in regional WA, offering everything from counselling and community programs to mental health resources. Now a women's counsellor, Ms Van Beek provides free mental health services in an area where such support is often hard to find.
She also founded the Mums to Be and Bubs on Knee group to reduce isolation among new mothers. She supports thousands through in-person and online platforms, including Facebook groups, and was granted the young community citizen of the year award in 2025.
From coaching gymnastics to leading local Scout groups, Peta Baer wears many hats — all in the name of service. A finalist for the community service and volunteering award, Ms Baer devotes more than 30 hours a week to the Newman community.
She is also a tireless advocate for people living with disabilities. Last year, she took her message all the way to Parliament House, delivering a powerful speech calling for improved disability support across the Pilbara.
